Container Shipping to Portugal — Get Instant Quotes
Why ship to Portugal with iContainers?
- Deep-water capacity at Sines. The Port of Sines handled almost 2 million TEU in 2024 (+16 % YoY) and added five new weekly loops, giving shippers more space and schedule options. apsinesalgarve.pt
- Multiple gateway choices. Beyond Sines, Lisbon grew cargo volumes 3.6 % in 2024 while climbing 99 places in the global port-efficiency rankings, and Leixões remains a reliable 600 k TEU hub for northern Iberia. Ports Europe, portodelisboa.pt, leixoes.apdl.pt
- Demand driven by capital goods. Portugal’s 2024 import bill rose 1.9 %, led by industrial supplies, machinery and transport equipment—cargoes that move best in full containers. econews.pt
- Air-cargo backup. Lisbon (LIS) handled roughly 255 k t of freight in 2024, offering a fast alternative when deadlines are tight. aman-alliance.org
Our container-shipping services to Portugal
Full Container Load (FCL)
Ideal for high-volume goods—machinery, auto parts, consumer electronics and wine. Direct loops link Asia, North America and Northern Europe with Sines and Lisbon. Typical lead times:
- Shanghai → Sines: ~30–35 days (Pacific/Med combo routes)
- New York → Sines: ~17–19 days, sailings every 1–2 days
Less-than-Container Load (LCL)
Best for shipments under ~15 m³. Weekly console boxes depart hubs like Antwerp, Miami and Singapore; SMEs shipping fashion, cork products or spare parts avoid paying for unused space.
Air freight — the urgent option
For samples or high-value spares, we route via Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO). Door-to-door transit from EU/US hubs is typically 5–9 days.
Portugal-specific insights: Atlantic winter swells can slow berthing at Lisbon and Leixões; Sines’ deep-water breakwater usually stays open, but booking a buffer of 2–3 days between November and February is prudent.
Container shipping rates to Portugal
How much does it cost to ship a container to Portugal?
Estimated transit times to Portugal*
| Origin | Mode | Est. transit |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai, CN | FCL | 30 – 35 days |
| New York, US | FCL | 17 – 19 days |
| Houston, US | FCL | ~20 days |
| Los Angeles, US | FCL | ~35 days |
| Rotterdam, NL | FCL | ~10–12 days |
| Frankfurt → LIS | Air | 5 – 9 days |
*Port-to-port (or airport-to-airport); customs, first/last mile and weather can add time.
Main Portuguese ports & inland links
| Port | 2024 TEU / capacity | Cargo highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sines (PSA/Terminal XXI) | ≈ 2 m TEU; +16 % YoY | Containers, LNG, petroleum | Deep-water, 24/7 access |
| Lisbon | 11.3 m t all cargo; container recovery | Retail goods, project cargo | Efficiency ranking improved 99 spots |
| Leixões | 0.6 m TEU capacity | Frozen fish, textiles, auto parts | Northern gateway, reefer plugs |
| Setúbal / Aveiro | niche feeders | Paper, bulk | Alternate options when main hubs congest |
Typical commodities shipped to Portugal
- Industrial machinery & equipment for manufacturing and energy sectors. econews.pt
- Automotive parts & transport equipment for Portugal’s export assembly plants.
- Wine, cork & agri-food inputs moving in reefers or dry boxes.
- Consumer electronics for Iberian distribution centres.
5-step booking flow
- Get an instant quote — enter cargo details and compare carriers online.
- Secure your sailing — lock in space and rate.
- Upload paperwork — commercial invoice, packing list, any EU import licences.
- Arrange pickup — door, port or bonded warehouse.
- Track & manage — live milestones until POD delivery.
FAQs About Shipping Containers to Portugal
Yes—below ~15 m³, LCL generally beats paying for a full 20 ft container.
Occasional weather holds add 24–48 h in winter; deep-water Sines experiences fewer closures than river ports Lisbon or Leixões.
Importers often choose CIF Lisbon/Sines; exporters seeking cost control opt for FOB origin port.
Not legally, but highly recommended to cover weather or trans-shipment risks.